The traditional Chinese solar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Grain Rain，as the last term in spring, starts on April 19 and ends on May 4.

中国传统二十四节气中的谷雨节气是春季的最后一个节气，谷雨节气从4月19日开始，5月4日结束。

Grain Rain originates from the old saying, "Rain brings up the growth of hundreds of grains," which shows that this period of rainfall is extremely important for the growth of crops. The Grain Rain signals the end of cold weather and a rapid rise in temperature. Here are five things that you may not know about the Grain Rain.

谷雨源自古语“雨生百谷”，表明这一时期的降雨对庄稼的生长极为重要。谷雨意味着寒冷天气结束，气温急剧上升。一起来了解一下关于谷雨的5个小常识。

Key time for agriculture农作物种植的关键期

Grain Rain brings a marked increase in temperature and rainfall and the grains grow faster and stronger. It's a key time to protect the crops from insect pests.

谷雨之际气温和雨水明显增加，庄稼长得更快更茁壮。此时是保护庄稼不遭虫害的关键时期。

Sandstorms occur沙尘暴

Grain Rain falls between the end of spring and the beginning of summer, with infrequent cold air moving to the south and lingering cold air in the north. From the end of April to the beginning of May, the temperature rises much higher than it does in March. With dry soil, an unsteady atmosphere and heavy winds, gales and sandstorms become more frequent.

谷雨节气正值春末夏初，冷空气偶尔南下，北方还会有一些冷空气徘徊。从4月底到5月初，气温上升速度比3月份快得多。由于土地干燥、气候不稳定，大风和沙尘暴会变得更频繁。

Drinking tea喝茶

There is an old custom in southern China that people drink tea on the day of Grain Rain. Spring tea during Grain Rain is rich in vitamins and amino acids, which can help to remove heat from the body and is good for the eyes. It is also said that drinking tea on this day would prevent bad luck.

南方有在谷雨这天饮茶的古老习俗。谷雨期间的春茶富含维生素和氨基酸，有助于清热明目。还有一种说法是，在谷雨这天饮茶能防止霉运。

Eating toona sinensis吃香椿

People in northern China have the tradition to eat the vegetable toona sinensis during Grain Rain. An old Chinese saying goes "toona sinensis before the rain is as tender as silk". The vegetable is nutritious and can help to strengthen the immune system. It is also good for the stomach and skin.

北方人有在谷雨时节吃香椿的传统。老话说“雨前香椿嫩如丝”。香椿富含营养，有助于增强免疫力。吃香椿对肠胃和皮肤也有好处。

Grain Rain Festival谷雨节

The Grain Rain festival is celebrated by fishing villages in the coastal areas of northern China. Grain Rain marks the start of the fishermen's first voyage of the year. The custom dates back more than 2,000 years ago, when people believed they owed a good harvest to the gods, who protected them from the stormy seas. People would worship the sea and stage sacrifice rites on the Grain Rain festival, praying for a bountiful harvest and a safe voyage for their loved ones.

北方沿海渔村会庆祝谷雨节。谷雨的到来标志着渔民开年来即将第一次出海。这一习俗要追溯到两千多年前，当时人们认为海神保佑他们获得丰收，保护他们出海不遭遇风暴。在谷雨节上，人们会向海神献上祭品，祈求鱼虾满仓、出海平安。